Thursday, the passage from the Tour de France to Vic-en-Bigorre was much more than a 12th step: a significant summer event, attracting a large crowd.
Of course, the caravan and the peloton, in their most identifiable form, represent the visible heart of the tour, but behind them activates a whole range of skills, know-how, logistics, public services, and of course a significant economic weight; The famous “fallout” often highlighted in response to the “lifts” linked to the inevitable constraints of traffic or parking that the event imposes.
Also essential, the security system whose efficiency is ensured by various bodies of services such as civil security or the army, as well as the massive commitment of technical communication teams.
Also essential, the parade of advertising vehicles distributing samples, memories and gadgets, which has even aroused vocations of passionate collectors on the roadside.
This advertising caravan, where we find fruits, animals, giant objects in various shapes and colors, embodies a real expression of French genius, carried by slogans, joyful music and calls, evoking carnival parades or flowery corsos. Of course, this festive aspect remains the most accessible expression of the economic dimension of a free and popular event, open to all.
The local dynamics are not to be outdone: along the route, shops and terraces extend their welcome, grabbing the opportunity of a fruitful day, decorating their windows in the colors of the Tour.
And how can we not salute the enthusiasm and the animations implemented by the nursing teams of the geriatric pole? At Acacias as in the clearing, residents have prepared posters, banners and creations to participate in the fan’zons developed along the route.
These strong moments, such as the warm gathering on the terrace of the taste buds, where Lucie welcomed residents and accompanying the clearing, or even the acacias health course, offered real festive breaks on the Tour. An animation contribution to geriatric establishments, invaluable humanly and even economically. Bravo to all the teams that have known, outside the walls, give birth to these shared moments.